Kata Beach

The difference between a tourist spot like Kata beach on Phuket island and Myanmar is stark. There are plastic surgery spots, animal clinics and a steak house. Russians are everywhere. Every menu is in English, Russian and Thai. You watch one Russian couple tell off a Thai man at the beach who flicks them off. Although reading in the sun staring out over the ocean should be calming the numerous people crash around you are like the waves in the ocean. Jet-skis go by dodging surfers. You drink a few beers and sleep. Repeat for the next four days.

Vacation from the vacation.

You make friends with an Aussie couple. You get along with both of them, you finally get to talk books. You find it is more relaxing and rewarding making a connection with some strangers than burning your skin while reading on the beach.